I have got the matter examined. Currently, the basic exemption limit for individual taxpayer is Rs, 2, 50,000, However, considering the specific needs of the senior citizens, the basic exemption limit for a senior citizen above 60 year, is fixed at Rs.3,00,000 and for very senior citizen i.e. above 80 years, the same is fixed Rs. 5,00,000. Therefore, a pensioner who is a senior citizen is not required to pay any income-tax if his. total income, including pension., does not exceed Rs. 3 lakhs Similarly, a pensioner who is very senior citizen is not required to pay tax if his total income, including pension, does not exceed Rs. 5, 00.000. However, the suggestions that pension up to Rs. 5 lakhs per annum should be exempt in all cases would require amendment to the existing provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1964.

Accordingly, the proposal would be examined during the exercise for the ensuing Union Budget, 2018 and the outcome would be reflected in the Finance Bill 2018.